The All Blacks coach and NZR chief executive join Elliott Smith and Liam Napier in the studio for an exclusive and wide-ranging discussion of all the big rugby issues.
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Teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee will make her Black Ferns test debut in Saturday’s clash against the Wallaroos in Newcastle, Australia.
The 18-year-old is the lone debutant in the side, having been named at fullback for New Zealand’s Pacific Four Series opener, which doubles as the opening Laurie O’Reilly Cup match.
Sorensen-McGee burst on to the scene for the Blues this year, scoring six tries in eight games to help the Auckland-based side defend their Super Rugby Aupiki title, beating Matatū in last month’s final.
Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting says Sorensen-McGee deserves her opportunity after impressing in camp.
“We’re super excited for Braxton and we are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey, it’s going to be a proud moment for her and her whānau,” Bunting said.
“Selections have been awarded on consistent form through Super Rugby Aupiki and we are allowing more time for players who weren’t selected to learn and settle into our environment. I’ve also been really impressed with the attitude within our group.”
The match will also mark a special return for loosehead prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who will come off the bench in what will be her first test since the last Rugby World Cup.
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu on the charge against Australia in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup in 2022. Photo / Photosport
A troubling neck injury saw her sit out competitive rugby for two years and the 27-year-old had major surgery last year in a bid to make the World Cup squad this year.
Hooker Georgia Ponsonby anchors the scrum alongside props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale. Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos make up the locking duo, while co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu and Layla Sae have been named in the loose forwards. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, last year’s Black Ferns Player of the Year, completes the strong forward pack at No 8.
In the backs, co-captain and first five-eighths Ruahei Demant and halfback Maia Joseph start together, combining with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis in the midfield. Wingers Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Katelyn Vahaakolo will bring pace and power on the wings with Sorensen-McGee rounding out the starting team.
Bunting is eager for the Black Ferns to make a statement as preparations begin towards the Rugby World Cup, which gets under way in England in August.
“This week is important to us, Laurie O’Reilly pathed [sic] the way for women’s rugby through some tough times in Aotearoa,” said Bunting.
“We know Australia will be a great challenge at this stage of our journey and we want to ensure that we have a strong start to our campaign. The focus lies with us, deepening our connections and playing our game as we continue to build throughout Pacific Four”.
